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[scion]

German intelligence committee head calls Donald Trump 'a security risk to the Western world'

Burkhard Lischka says President should safeguard 'exclusive and highly sensitive information'

Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden 17 mins ago
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/german-mp-burkhard-lischka-donald-trump-security-risk-western-world-russia-classified-bundestag-a7740031.html

A senior German politician has called Donald Trump “a security risk to the Western world” amid reports the US President disclosed classified information from a vital ally to Russia.

Burkhard Lischka, who sits on the Bundestag’s intelligence oversight committee, said: “If it proves to be true that the American president passed on internal intelligence matters that would be highly worrying."

Noting that Mr Trump has access to “exclusive and highly sensitive information including in the area of combating terrorism” the Social Democratic Party (SDP) politician said that if the President “passes this information to other governments at will, then Trump becomes a security risk for the entire western world”.

Mr Lischka’s party is part of Germany’s governing coalition led by Angela Merkel’s conservatives.

The Chancellor visited the White House in March, where Mr Trump – already a hugely unpopular figure in Germany - appeared to refuse to shake her hand during an awkward joint press conference.

Counter-terror operations were among the issues discussed by the two leaders, with Germany standing as Nato and intelligence partner.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/german-mp-burkhard-lischka-donald-trump-security-risk-western-world-russia-classified-bundestag-a7740031.html